Data processor

Abstract

A data processing apparatus receives key codes corresponding to keys depressed on a plurality of keyboards. These key codes are sequentially stored in a first-in first-out (FIFO) buffer awaiting processing by a central processing unit (CPU). If successive key code entries correspond to an auto repeat key (e.g., a space key, a backspace key, an underline key, a move cursor key, etc.), a determination is made whether the auto repeat key codes are the same. If they are, the CPU processes the subsequent auto repeat key code. If they are different, the CPU ignores that auto repeat key input. In another embodiment of the present invention, one of the keyboards is hardwired to the data processing system while a second keyboard is connected via a wireless link. Auto repeat key codes are only accepted from the first wire-connected keyboard, and any auto repeat key codes from the second wireless keyboard are ignored.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A data processing apparatus for use by an operator to edit text in a document stored in a document memory comprising: first and second keyboards each having a plurality of depressable keys some of which are auto repeat keys that are typically depressed in repeated sequential fashion during text creations and editing, each key generating a corresponding key code signal when depressed by the operator;   an input buffer, connected to the first and second keyboards, for serially storing in first-in-first-out (FIFO) fashion key codes corresponding to keys depressed on the first and second keyboards; and   a central processing unit for retrieving the serially stored key codes from the input buffer in FIFO fashion during editing of the document, detecting a first processed key code corresponding to an auto repeat key and editing the document in accordance with the first processed auto repeat key code, editing the document in accordance with subsequently retrieved auto repeat key codes identical to the first processed auto repeat key code, and ignoring subsequently retrieved auto repeat key codes that are different from the first processed auto repeat key code.   
     
     
       2. The apparatus as in claim 1, wherein the means for detecting sets a flag upon detecting the first processed auto repeat key code and resets the flag upon detecting a key code other than an auto repeat key code. 
     
     
       3. The apparatus as in claim 2, wherein the means for editing edits the document in accordance with subsequently retrieved auto repeat key codes different from the first processed auto repeat key code when the flag is reset. 
     
     
       4. A data processing apparatus as in claim 1, wherein the auto repeat keys include a cursor movement key, an underline key, a space key, or a backspace key. 
     
     
       5. A data processing apparatus for editing text in a document comprising: first and second keyboards each having a plurality of depressable keys some of which are auto repeat keys that are typically depressed in repeated sequential fashion during text creations and editing, each key generating a corresponding key code signal when depressed;   a central processing unit for receiving key codes from the first keyboard through a hardwired communications link and from the second keyboard over a wireless communications link including means for rejecting successive auto repeat key codes received from at least one of the first and second keyboards.   
     
     
       6. The apparatus as in claim 5, wherein successive auto repeat key codes from the second keyboard are rejected. 
     
     
       7. The apparatus as in claim 5, wherein the auto repeat keys include a back space key or an erase key.